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Fowler nursing sore ankle, should return Sunday

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PHOENIX -- Dexter Fowler is getting some early rest after rolling his ankle in a collision with left fielder Matt McBride in Thursday's win over the Reds. Fowler came out for a pinch-hitter a half inning later when his turn at the plate came up. He missed Friday's game, as originally planned, and was also scratched for Saturday's tilt.

Both Fowler and head athletic trainer Keith Dugger describe the ankle as "sore," and neither have been concerned beyond a common sense precautionary approach to Cactus League play.

"I think we'll probably be smart and give him a break [Friday]," Dugger said on Friday. "He'll probably be in [Saturday]."

But the revised plan had Fowler sitting out Friday, resuming training on Saturday, and back in the lineup at home on Sunday.

"No use rushing back in," Fowler said. "Might as well get it strong for the season and play 162 [regular-season games]."

The Rockies bench is deep with potential starters at every position, so even during the regular season, though Fowler could play through a rolled ankle, there's no shortage of options behind him.

"It's not swollen, it's just sore," Fowler said. "I did it three times last year. They probably want to see me running around before they throw me in the lineup."

With Carlos Gonzalez in left and Michael Cuddyer in right, the Rockies bench is likely to feature Eric Young Jr. (.316, 14 steals in 98 games last year) and Tyler Colvin (.290, 18 homers, 72 RBI in 136 games), both more than capable in center, and each embodying elements Walt Weiss wants in his lineup as often as possible -- speed and power.